Faculty-Led Programs: Short‑term programs where students travel abroad as a group with a UWM program leader. UWM staff handle logistics, preparation, and support, providing a highly structured, guided experience.
Exchange Programs: Typically long-term programs (semester or year, with some short-term options) where you study at an international partner university while paying your regular UWM tuition. Students receive UWM advising before departure and gain more independence while supported by the host university abroad.
Direct Enroll / Provider Programs: Both short-term and long-term programs run by international institutions or independent study abroad providers where you enroll directly at the institution or take classes with other study abroad students. Providers offer on‑site support like housing help and excursions, while UWM assists with advising and credit transfer.
Choose the program type that fits you:
| Faculty-Led Program | Exchange Program | Direct Enroll / Provider Program | |
| How long is the program? | Short-term (2–4 weeks) | Semester or year (some short-term options) | Short-term or semester |
| How much support is built in? | High support | Less support | Moderate to high support |
| How independent do I need to be? | Less independent | Very independent | Fairly independent |
| Who will I be with? | UWM faculty + students | Local + international students | Students from many schools |
| How do I pay? | Program fee | UWM tuition based on residency | Program fee or host school tuition |
| Good choice if you want… | A guided first experience | Full immersion | Structure with flexibility |